Apparatus and method for aiding a swing

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for aiding the swing of a user of a piece of sporting equipment, such as a golf club, baseball bat, tennis racquet, hockey stick, or field hockey stick, is provided. The apparatus may be made of a relatively dense and elastic material, and may comprise a front opening in a front portion of the apparatus, and a front sleeve extending from the front opening. The front sleeve may have a proximate end at the front opening, a distal end, and an opening in the distal end through which the user&#39;s arms and hands may penetrate. The front sleeve may further be tapered from the proximate end to the distal end, generating a compression force on the arms, thereby “connecting” the arms to each other and to the core of the body before and during the swing.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for aiding a swing. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for aiding the swing of a user of sporting equipment such as golf clubs, baseball bats, tennis racquets, ice hockey and field hockey sticks, and the like.

2. Description of Related Art

Many sports, such as golf, baseball, tennis, ice hockey, field hockey, and cricket, involve the swinging of a piece of equipment, i.e., a club, bat, stick, or racquet. There are various techniques and methods for producing an effective swing. For example, in golf, one such technique is the “connection” method, which teaches maintaining a tight, connected relationship between and among the body, arms, and club from start to finish of the swing. Furthermore, it is important for accuracy, consistency, and distance that the arms generally form a “V” or a triangle through all stages of the golf swing or other types of sports swings. While the arms are obviously attached to the body at the shoulders, the connection method is intended to keep the arms tight with the chest and lower midsection, or “core,” of the body such that they are virtually “connected” there as well. This allows for the hands, arms and shoulders to all move substantially as one with the core of the body during the backswing and downswing while always maintaining the triangle between the arms. This will help maintain consistency with the timing of the swing.

However, many people have a tendency and natural inclination to control their arms independently from their bodies, and sometimes from one another, such that the swing is primarily a function of the arm movement only, irrespective of the body movement. This may result in great variations from swing to swing, thereby resulting in various inconsistencies and poor contact with the object being struck.

There are known devices that attempt to aid a person performing a swing to maintain this “connection” between the arms and the core of the body. One such device is an elastic strap that wraps around both arms just above the elbows. While this may “connect” both arms to each other, it does not effectively “connect” the arms beyond the elbow, and it does not “connect” the arms with the core of the body. In addition, the wearer of the strap must put it on and take it off every time between uses, which may become a burdened annoyance thus reducing its effectiveness.

Another device implements a harness and bungee cords. The user wears the harness, and attaches bungee cords on the front of the harness to the shaft of the club. As with the strap above, this device does not effectively “connect” the arms to the core of the body, nor does it “connect” the arms together. The effectiveness of the device hinges upon the tension of the bungee cords. As such, it is imperative the cords are precisely set at the proper tension for the user, which may be a tedious and inaccurate process. In addition, given the great variation in the physical dimensions of users, the harness-bungee cord setup has to be constantly adjusted in order to allow various people to use it. Furthermore, the device is not only bulky and cumbersome to place on the user and to wear, it is costly as well.

Therefore, a need exists for a relatively simple, easy-to-use apparatus and method for aiding a swing, e.g., a golf, baseball, tennis, hockey, field hockey, and the like, swing, which is an effective aid, relatively simple to use and operate and relatively inexpensive.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a garment vest for aiding a swing. The garment vest comprises a front sleeve, having a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is attached to the front, chest region of the garment vest, and has a first opening for receiving the arms and hands of a wearer of the garment vest. The distal end is remote from the proximate end, and has a second opening also for receiving the arms and hands of the wearer of the garment vest. The front sleeve tapers from the proximate end to the distal end.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for aiding a swing. The apparatus comprises: an opening in a front portion of the apparatus; and a front sleeve, having a proximate end and a distal end, the front sleeve extending from the opening toward the distal end. The front sleeve is arranged and configured to allow the arms and hands of a user of the apparatus to fit through the front sleeve, and to generate a compression force on the user's arms.

In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a method for aiding a swing. The method comprises: providing a swing aid apparatus or garment as described in any one of the embodiments above; placing the apparatus or garment on a user such that the apparatus or garment covers at least a portion of the user's torso; extending both arms of the user through the front sleeve of the apparatus or garment; and swinging the user's arms while being under compression force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention may be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, several of which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

Figures in the appended drawings, like the detailed description, are examples. As such, the Figures and the detailed description are not to be considered limiting, and other equally effective examples are possible and likely. Furthermore, like reference numerals in the Figures indicate like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view drawing of an apparatus for aiding a swing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view drawing of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in an alternative configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view drawing of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use in an initial stage of a swing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view drawing of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use in an intermediate stage of a swing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear view drawing of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use in an intermediate stage of a swing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of aiding a swing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including but not limited to.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments or other examples described herein. In some instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail, so as to not obscure the following description.

Further, the examples disclosed are for exemplary purposes only and other examples may be employed in lieu of, or in combination with, the examples disclosed. It should also be noted the examples presented herein should not be construed as limiting of the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure, as other equally effective examples are possible and likely.

FIG. 1 is a front view drawing of an apparatus 100 for aiding a swing. The apparatus 100 is generally made of a fabric that has sufficient elasticity and a generally high density in order to create a sufficient compression force on the arms when in operation. Such fabric may comprise one or more of, but not be limited to, polyester, spandex, nylon, neoprene and the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the fabric may comprise a combination of spandex fibers, woven together with other fibers, such as polyester, nylon, or any other synthetic fibers, and/or with natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, or any other known natural fibers, such that the apparatus 100 may have a natural feel while still maintaining a certain level of elasticity.

In one embodiment, the fabric may comprise a range of 0%-50% spandex, with the remaining percentage made up by any one or combination of the fibers listed above. In another embodiment, the fabric may comprise a range of 20%-30% spandex, with the remaining percentage made up by any one or combination of the fibers listed above. In yet another embodiment, the fabric may comprise approximately 25% spandex, with the remaining percentage made up by any one or combination of the fibers listed above.

A fabric having a sufficient elasticity, or the ratio of stress to corresponding strain in material under tension or compression, and a generally high density, as well as the shape and size of the apparatus 100, are important factors in the effectiveness of the apparatus 100. Specifically, the elasticity, generally high density, shape, and size, of the fabric contribute to a compression force on portions of a user's body, particularly the arms and torso region. When performing a swing, the apparatus 100 is configured and arranged to keep the arms “connected” to each other and to the core of the body, thereby keeping an ideal swing form. Furthermore, the elasticity and generally high density will substantially ensure that the apparatus 100 does not deform over time, and as such, will maintain its effectiveness. In one embodiment, the spandex fibers may have a linear mass density of about 40 denier to 90 denier. In another embodiment, the spandex fibers may have a linear mass density of about 55 denier to 70 denier.

The elasticity of the fabric is dependent upon Young's modulus of elasticity of the fabric, which is the relationship between the stress, i.e., the force (in pounds-force) applied per cross-sectional area of a strand of the fabric to achieve a certain deformation of the fabric strand, and strain, i.e., the percentage of deformation, specifically elongation, of the strand, of the fabric. As the percentage of deformation increases, the greater the stress will have to be to achieve that deformation. In one embodiment, a stress between 1 pound-force and 3 pounds-force on the fabric experiences a strain of approximately 20% to 80% elongation. In another embodiment, a stress between 20 pounds-force and 35 pounds-force on the fabric experiences a strain of approximately 140% to 180%.

In addition to the material itself, the stitching used to assemble the apparatus 100 may be elastic as well in order to further provide for an effective “connection” between the arms and the core of the body throughout a swing. The stitching may or may not have the same elastic properties as the fabric, as described above, so long as it facilitates or at least does not inhibit the “connection” between the arms and the core of the body.

The apparatus 100 comprises a front portion 102, a top opening 104 sized and configured to allow the user's head to fit through, a bottom opening 106 sized and configured to allow the user to put on and take off the apparatus 100, and side openings 108 and 110 on the left and right sides, respectively, of the apparatus 100, the side openings 108 and 110 sized and configured for the user's arms and hands to fit through when he or she is not using the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 further comprises a front opening 120 in the front portion 102 from which a front sleeve 116, described hereinafter, extends, and through which the user's arms and hands extend into the front sleeve 116 when the apparatus 100 is being used.

In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 does not have side sleeves. However, in another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include side sleeves (not shown). In this embodiment, the side sleeves may be moved out and away, for example, rolled up or pinned to the side by any means known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, when the user is performing the method, described hereinafter, so as not to interfere with the user's swing. Alternatively, the side sleeves may be tucked into the interior of the apparatus 100. In other embodiments, the side sleeves may be removable, where they are attached and detached through the use of a zipper, buttons, buckles, Velcro, or any other attachment device known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The length and width of the apparatus 100 are generally sized such that the apparatus 100 will cover at least a portion of a user's torso sufficient to create a compression force on the portion of the user's torso to provide for the “connection” between the user's arms and body. The length and width may vary to accommodate users of different sizes. For example, in one embodiment, the overall length, indicated as L1 in FIG. 1, may range from 20 inches to 40 inches. In another embodiment, L1 may range from 24 inches to 34 inches.

The width of the apparatus 100 generally differs at the top, specifically between the top of the side openings 108 and 110, and center of the apparatus 100. These widths are indicated in FIG. 1 as W1 and W2, respectively. The width of the bottom of the apparatus 100, indicated as W3, may be the same as W2, or may alternatively be thinner to ensure a compression force around at least a portion of the torso of the user. For example, in one embodiment, W1, W2, and W3, may range from 8 inches to 30 inches, 10 inches to 34 inches, and 10 inches to 34 inches, respectively. In another embodiment, these widths may range from 12 inches to 22 inches, 16 inches to 27 inches, and 16 inches to 27 inches, respectively. In other embodiments, any combination of these widths may be the same. For example, all three widths may be the same, or alternatively, just W1 and W2, W2 and W3, or W1 and W3 may be the same width.

The height of the side openings 108 and 110, indicated as H1 in FIG. 1, are generally sized for the arms of a user to fit through when the apparatus 100 is not being used. For example, in one embodiment, H1 may range from 4 inches to 16 inches. In another embodiment, H1 may range from 6 inches to 12 inches. In yet another embodiment, H1 may be 8 inches. The height H1 of the side openings 108 and 110 may or may not vary as the overall length and widths of the apparatus, as described above, increase or decrease.

The front opening 120 is generally positioned at approximately the chest region of the user of the apparatus 100. For example, in one embodiment, the distance from the top of the front opening 120 to an edge of the top opening 104, which is indicated as H2 in FIG. 1, may be between 2 inches and 10 inches. In another embodiment, H2 may be between 4 inches and 7 inches. In yet another embodiment, H2 may be 6 inches to 7 inches. This distance may or may not vary as the other dimensions of the apparatus 100 change.

The width and height of the front opening 120, which are indicated in FIG. 1 as W4 and H3, respectively, are generally sized to fit the arms of the user, and to generate a compression force on the upper portion of the arms, again reinforcing the connection of the arms to each other and to the core of the body, and the maintaining of the triangle between the arms. The width W4 generally may not be wider than W2. In one embodiment, W4 and H3 may range from 6 inches to 34 inches, and 4 inches to 24 inches, respectively. In another embodiment, W4 and H3 may range from 10 inches to 24 inches, and 6 inches to 18 inches, respectively. In yet another embodiment, W4 and H3 may range from 10 inches to 16 inches, and 6 inches to 11 inches, respectively.

As mentioned above, the apparatus 100 further comprises a front sleeve 116 that extends from the front surface 102 of the apparatus 100 at the front opening 120. The front sleeve 116 has a proximate end and a distal end. The front sleeve 116 may further have an opening 118, through which the user's arms and hands may penetrate, at the distal end of the front sleeve 116. The front sleeve 116 is generally tapered such that its width decreases from the proximate end at the front opening 120 to the opening 118 at the distal end. The widths at the proximate end and distal end of the front sleeve are indicated in FIG. 1 as W4 and W5, respectively, where the width of the proximate end of the front sleeve 116 is generally the same as the width of front opening 120. For example, in one embodiment, where W4 may range from 6 inches to 34 inches as described above, W5 may range from 3 inches to 24 inches. In another embodiment, where W4 may range from 10 inches to 24 inches, W5 may range from 3 inches to 16 inches. In yet another embodiment, where W4 may range from 10 inches to 16 inches, W5 may range from 3 inches to 9 inches.

The tapering of the front sleeve 116 from the proximate end to the distal end will accommodate the anatomy of the body, i.e., the fact that the body is widest from arm to arm, as well as keep the arms “connected” to each other in order to maintain the critical triangle between the arms before and during the swing. Furthermore, W5 is generally such that the front sleeve 116 applies a compression force on the user's arms, further ensuring the arms and hands are kept together and close to the core of the body. However, the width of the front sleeve 116 may still be uniform from the proximate end to the distal end, i.e., W4 and W5 being the same.

Furthermore, the length of the front sleeve 116, which is measured from the proximate end to the distal end and is indicated as L2 in FIG. 1, is generally such that the opening 118 at the distal end will be anywhere between the user's wrists and forearms just below the elbow. For example, in one embodiment, L2 may range from 8 inches to 30 inches, depending on the size of the user of the apparatus. In another embodiment, L2 may range from 10 inches to 20 inches. In yet another embodiment, L2 may range from 10 inches to 15 inches. Again, this dimension furthers the connection of the arms in a substantially triangular formation. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that L2 may still be sized such that the distal end of the sleeve 116 ends along any portion of the arms.

It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that any combination of ranges of the lengths, widths, and heights of the respective elements of the apparatus 100, as described above, may be used in alternative embodiments of the present invention to accommodate users of all shapes and sizes.

FIG. 2 is a front view drawing of the apparatus 100 in an alternative configuration where the front sleeve 116 is tucked into the interior of the apparatus 100. This configuration is generally used when the apparatus 100 is not being used but the user desires to still wear the apparatus 100. For example, this may occur when the user is walking to different locations on a golf course between shots. In this configuration when the apparatus 100 is between uses, the combination of the opening 120 and the front sleeve 116 tucked into the opening 120, may further be used as a pocket to hold such items as a glove, cellular phone, keys, etc.

FIG. 3 is a front view drawing illustrating the apparatus 100 being used in an initial stage of a swing. Generally, during this initial stage, the user's arms are hanging in front of his or her body. When he or she is using the apparatus 100, his or her arms are extended through front sleeve 116, penetrating the opening 118, and the hands are free to grip a piece of sporting equipment, such as a golf club, baseball bat, tennis racquet, hockey stick, field hockey stick, and the like. The tapered shape of the front sleeve 116 forces the arms to be “connected” to each other in a substantially triangular shape, as depicted by the user's arms shown within the front sleeve 116. As explained above and depicted in FIG. 3, the openings 120 and 118 create a compression force on the user's upper and lower portions of the arms, respectively, thereby preventing the user from moving his arms such that they may deviate greatly from the substantially triangular configuration.

FIG. 4 is a front view drawing illustrating the apparatus 100 being used in an intermediate stage of a swing, particularly depicting how the apparatus 100 keeps the user's arms that are positioned in the front of the user's stance “connected” to the core of the body during the swing. Mainly, the position of the front opening 120 and the front sleeve 116 being right around the chest level of the user forces the arms to stay close to the body, particularly the chest, during the swing, thereby generating the “connected” feeling. Furthermore, as explained above, the elasticity of the fabric of the apparatus 100 creates a compression force on the user's arms during the swing, further forcing the arms to stay close or “connected” to the core of the body. If the user does not feel or experience a compression force on his or her arms, then he or she knows that his or her arms are not “connected” to the core of the body and therefore, the swing is being performed incorrectly or ineffectively.

FIG. 5 is a rear view drawing illustrating the apparatus 100 being used in the same intermediate stage of the swing as in FIG. 4, particularly depicting how the apparatus 100 keeps the user's arms that are positioned in the rear of the user's stance “connected” to the core of the body during the swing. The tapered front sleeve 116 forces the arms to be “connected” and to maintain a substantially triangular shape between them throughout the swing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 for aiding a swing in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The method begins at step 602. At step 604, a swing aid apparatus is provided. While the apparatus 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used as an example in method 600, it will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments of a swing aid apparatus or garment of the present invention may be used. At step 606, the user places the apparatus 100 over his or her body through the bottom opening 106, such that the user's head penetrates the top opening 104, the apparatus 100 rests on the user's shoulders, and the apparatus 100 covers at least a portion of his or her torso. At step 608, the user extends his or her arms through the front opening 120 into the front sleeve 116 of the swing aid apparatus 100. At step 610, the user swings his or her arms, which will be under a compression force generated by the front sleeve 116 and the openings 120 and 118, thereby keeping the arms “connected” to each other and to the core of the body.

The user may then determine whether or not he or she will take an additional swing. If not, the user may then determine whether or not he or she wants to continue to wear the apparatus 100. If the user does not, then he or she may proceed to step 612, where he or she may remove the swing aid apparatus 100. Alternatively, if the user desires to continue to wear the apparatus 100, then he or she proceeds to steps 614 and 616, where he or she may retract his or her arms from the front sleeve 116, and extend them through the side openings 108 and 110. Then at step 618, the user may optionally decide to tuck the front sleeve 116 into the interior of the apparatus 100 through the front opening 120. Whether the user opts for step 612 or steps 614 through 618 if he or she decides not to take an additional swing, method 600 ends at step 622.

However, if the user determines that he or she will take an additional swing, the next step the user takes depends upon whether or not he or she must travel a distance prior to performing the next swing. If the user will not travel a distance, for example if he or she was at a driving range or in his or her backyard, the user repeats step 610 and swings his or her arms. However, if the user does travel a distance prior to performing the next swing, for example if he or she was on a golf course, the user proceeds to steps 614 through 618, which are all optional. The user may proceed directly to step 620. At step 620, the user travels to the next swing location. The user then repeats steps 608 and 610, after which the user must again determine whether or not he or she will perform another swing. This cycle continues until the user no longer desires to perform anymore swings. The user will then proceed to either step 612 or steps 614 through 618, as described above, and end method 600 at step 622.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the present invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. It is understood that various embodiments described herein may be utilized in combination with any other embodiment described, without departing from the scope contained herein. Further, the foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention.

No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Further, the terms “any of” followed by a listing of a plurality of items and/or a plurality of categories of items, as used herein, are intended to include “any of,” “any combination of,” “any multiple of,” and/or “any combination of multiples of” the items and/or the categories of items, individually or in conjunction with other items and/or other categories of items.

Moreover, the claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. In addition, use of the term “means” in any claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, and any claim without the word “means” is not so intended. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment vest for aiding a swing, comprising: a front sleeve, having a proximate end and a distal end; the proximate end being attached to the front, chest region of the garment vest and having a first opening for receiving the arms and hands of a wearer of the garment vest; the distal end being remote from the proximate end and having a second opening for receiving the arms and hands of the wearer; wherein the front sleeve tapers from the proximate end to the distal end.
 2. The garment of claim 1 further comprising an elastic material.
 3. The garment of claim 1 further comprising a relatively high density material.
 4. The garment of claim 1 further comprising elastic stitching.
 5. An apparatus for aiding a swing, comprising: an opening in a front portion of the apparatus; and a front sleeve, having a proximate end and a distal end, the front sleeve extending from the opening toward the distal end; wherein the front sleeve is arranged and configured to allow a user's arms and hands to fit through the front sleeve, and to generate a compression force on the user's arms.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising an elastic material.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a relatively high density material.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising elastic stitching.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the opening is located in the front portion of the apparatus corresponding to the chest region of the user of the apparatus.
 10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the front sleeve is tapered from the proximate end to the distal end.
 11. A method for aiding a swing, comprising: providing a swing aid apparatus comprising: an opening in a front portion of the apparatus; and a front sleeve, having a proximate end and a distal end, the front sleeve extending from the opening toward the distal end; placing the apparatus on a user of the apparatus such that the apparatus covers at least a portion of the user's torso; extending the user's arms through the front sleeve of the apparatus; and swinging the user's arms.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises an elastic material.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises a relatively high density material.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises elastic stitching.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the opening is located in a region of the front portion of the apparatus, the region corresponding to the chest of the user.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the front sleeve of the apparatus is tapered from the proximate end to the distal end.
 17. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of gripping a piece of sporting equipment prior to swinging the user's arms.
 18. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of retracting the user's arms from the front sleeve of the apparatus.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of tucking the front sleeve of the apparatus into the interior of the apparatus.
 20. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of traveling to a new location to perform a swing. 